Most travelers who trek mountain gorillas do it once. This trip is for those who want to do it twice — comparing two distinct trekking landscapes, two national parks, and two entirely different forest experiences, all within a single well-paced five-day trip that starts and ends in Kigali.

Mountain gorillas exist in only three countries on Earth: Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. This safari takes you into two of them. The trip opens in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, where generally shorter, more predictable treks and highly habituated gorilla families make for a polished, accessible first encounter. From there, you’ll cross the Cyanika border into Uganda for a second trek — either in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to the highest number of habituated gorilla families anywhere, or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, sitting on the Ugandan side of the same Virunga volcanoes — for a noticeably different, often more physically demanding forest experience. Along the way there’s time for the Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo, and an optional visit to the Dian Fossey Tomb at Karisoke Research Center for travelers interested in the history of gorilla conservation.

It’s a trip built specifically for gorilla enthusiasts who want to genuinely compare the two countries’ experiences rather than choose between them — and a five-day window is enough time to do both without feeling rushed. If a single trek is all you’re after, our 3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Safari or Short Uganda Gorilla Safari with Game Drive are leaner alternatives; if you’d like to add golden monkeys as well, our 4-Day Rwanda-Uganda Golden Monkey and Gorilla Trekking covers similar ground with a different focus. Or get in touch and we’ll tailor the pace, dates, or accommodation level to suit you.

Trip Highlights

• Two separate mountain gorilla treks in two different countries and national parks
• A direct opportunity to compare Rwanda’s and Uganda’s distinct gorilla trekking landscapes
• A cross-border transfer via the Cyanika border post
• Sweeping views of the Virunga volcanoes throughout the trip
• A visit to the scenic Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo
• An optional visit to the Dian Fossey Tomb at Karisoke Research Center
• A Kigali city tour, including the Genocide Memorial, on your final day

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali & Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

On arrival in Kigali, your Kenlink Tours guide will meet you and transfer you north to Musanze, the base town for Volcanoes National Park, through Rwanda’s terraced hills and farming villages. Settle into your lodge and rest ahead of tomorrow’s trek. Overnight: Musanze/Volcanoes National Park

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

After an early breakfast, drive to park headquarters at Kinigi for registration and a briefing before setting off into the Virunga forest with experienced trackers. Trekking time varies depending on the gorillas’ movements, but once located, you’ll spend a full hour in their presence. Return to your lodge for lunch, and if time allows, visit the lesser-known but strikingly scenic Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo before dinner. Overnight: Musanze/Volcanoes National Park

Day 3: Cross the Border into Uganda

After breakfast, cross the Cyanika border into Uganda, a straightforward crossing when travelling with your guide. Depending on your permit and preferred sector, continue on to either Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (a shorter drive from Musanze) or Bwindi Impenetrable National Park’s Rushaga sector, arriving in the afternoon or evening with time to rest ahead of your second trek. Overnight: Mgahinga or Bwindi, Uganda

Day 4: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Your second gorilla trekking experience, and a genuinely different one from Rwanda’s — Uganda’s forest terrain is often thicker and the trekking more physically demanding, but the reward is the same: a full hour spent in the presence of a wild gorilla family. Afterward, return to your lodge to rest and reflect on the contrast between the two treks. Overnight: Mgahinga or Bwindi, Uganda

Day 5: Transfer Back to Kigali & Departure

After breakfast, begin the drive back across the border to Kigali, with a stop en route to take in the scenery. On arrival, enjoy a short city tour, including the Kigali Genocide Memorial and local markets, before your transfer to the airport for your onward flight — the end of a five-day trip spanning two countries and two unforgettable gorilla encounters.

What’s Included

• 2 gorilla trekking permits (one Rwanda, one Uganda, per person, non-resident rate)
• All park entrance fees
• All listed activities (unless marked optional)
• All accommodation
• Professional English-speaking driver/guide
• All ground transportation
• Cyanika border crossing assistance
• All applicable taxes/VAT
• Meals and drinks as specified in the day-by-day itinerary

Not Included

• International flights
• Tips (guideline: US$10 per person per day)
• Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
• Optional activities such as the Dian Fossey Tomb hike
• Meals not specified in the day-by-day itinerary

Good to Know

Permits: Rwanda’s gorilla trekking permit currently costs USD 1,500 per person, issued by the Rwanda Development Board; Uganda’s costs USD 800 per person, issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Both are limited daily and should be secured well ahead of your travel dates — we handle both as part of your booking, and permit availability may determine whether your Uganda trek takes place in Mgahinga or Bwindi.

Visas for a combined trip: Since this itinerary crosses both countries, we generally recommend the East African Tourist Visa, valid for Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya. Uganda’s visa can also be applied for individually through the Uganda e-Visa portal, and Rwanda’s through the Rwanda Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration.

Best time to go: This trip can be done year-round, but the dry seasons (June–September and December–February) offer the best trekking conditions in both countries, with firmer forest trails.

Fitness level: Both treks involve uneven forest terrain, though Rwanda’s trails are generally considered somewhat more forgiving than Uganda’s steeper, denser sections. A good level of fitness is recommended given the physical demands of two treks in close succession.

Entry requirements: Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required for entry into both Rwanda and Uganda.

Related Tours You May Also Like

• 4-Day Rwanda-Uganda Golden Monkey and Gorilla Trekking
• 3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Safari
• Short Uganda Gorilla Safari with Game Drive
• 5-Day Volcanoes Gorillas & Akagera Park Wildlife Safari
• 10-Days Fantastic Tour in Rwanda & Uganda – Safari in East Africa
• 15-Day Rwanda–Uganda Primate & Big-Five Safari Adventure
• Rwanda Safaris

Useful External Resources

• Rwanda Development Board — official Rwanda tourism authority and issuer of Rwanda’s gorilla trekking permits
• Uganda Wildlife Authority — official body managing Bwindi and Mgahinga and issuing Uganda’s gorilla trekking permits
• Uganda e-Visa & Immigration Portal — for Uganda visa applications
• Rwanda Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration — for Rwanda visa applications

Ready to book, or want us to tailor the pace, dates, or accommodation level? Request a quote and our team — Africa safari experts since 2010 — will build your Uganda-Rwanda double gorilla safari around you.